Kyoto University Kwasan Observatory (京都大学 花山天文台)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Established in 1929, this observatory in Higashiyama belongs to the Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University. It offers stargazing through a 45cm refracting telescope along with a lecture by an observatory faculty member. In 2026, the session is held on Saturday, November 14, starting at 18:00 and lasting about 90 minutes. The participation fee is 3,300 yen for adults, 1,800 yen for students, and 500 yen for children.

Season & hours

Tips

Reservations are required in advance; apply through the application page on the official website (reception generally opens about two weeks before the event). Parking is in front of the new building within the observatory grounds (motorcycles not allowed). The mountain road is dark at night, so a flashlight is reassuring to bring.

Best time to visit

After sunset, 18:00 onward (lasting about 90 minutes)

Access & map

17 Kita-Kayama Omine-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 607-8471, Kyoto University Kwasan Observatory